Mayor, Cr Geoff Porter said it is very important for all our residents to know and understand fire risks in the area they live. Whether it’s on the urban fringe or in a rural setting, you need to have a plan and be prepared to action that plan.

“Our Emergency and Community Safety Expo and the new English and Emergencies Learn and Prepare program, that assists residents who speak English as a second language, is helping our community to be as prepared as possible,” Cr Porter said.

“During the day, there will be educational games and activities, emergency services personnel available to answer questions, a battery exchange where you can bring along your old smoke detector batteries and receive new batteries for free, plus a free raffle and door prizes.

“Now is also the time to download the VicEmergency app to your mobile device and start checking Fire Danger Ratings daily, along with any warnings, making sure you and your family understand the three warning levels and what they mean.”

To help you get your property ready and clear homes of any fire hazards, all residents including renters, are eligible for waste collection and drop-off services that are offered free of charge by Council, these include:

hard rubbish collection service; plus

hard rubbish recycling drop off days held throughout the year.

Cr Porter said at this time of year Hume officers also commence annual fire hazard inspections of properties and issue notices to property owners about the maintenance of their land.

“These inspections are very important, and another way Council is working to help reduce fire risk, but everybody in Hume needs to be mindful of fire risk and take responsibility for removing fire hazards and rubbish on their land,” Cr Porter said.

“Hume City Council is also working in partnership with the State Government and the fire agencies to make our municipality fire ready.

“Residents in rural and urban fringe properties will receive additional information on the upcoming fire season and preparing properties for fire. This information will be sent out during October and November.”

“Take the time during Fire Action Week to develop your fire plan, talk to your family about how you will stay safe, and decide well in advance what you will do to stay safe from fire no matter where in Hume you live.”